How do you develop a parenting plan?

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To create a parenting plan, decide on a residential schedule that covers where you and your ex-partner want your child to live, develop a consistent visitation schedule that focuses on frequency of regular visits of the noncustodial parent, and determine the holiday schedule of your child, suggests About.com. Other important factors to consider in a parenting plan include special occasions, school vacations, summer vacations, and means of communication between your child and ex-partner.

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A basic residential schedule includes information about the primary residence of the child and whether it changes on a weekly basis, notes About.com. When deciding on parent-child visitations, talk to your ex-partner about regular weeknight visits or overnight weekend visits.

A parenting plan also covers holidays, particularly if the holiday schedule of the child remains the same every year or if you and your partner intend to spend holidays with your child alternately each year, states About.com. Special occasions include birthdays, Mother's Day and Father's Day among others. Adjust schedules as necessary if there are half-siblings or other family members to consider. The method of transportation when your child spends time at your ex-partner's place is also an important consideration.

Consider allocating around 20 percent of the noncustodial parent's overall parenting time to visitation periods, recommends About.com. Ensure that the schedule stays consistent to help your child adapt more easily.